A Press Democrat Blog

Arts

Dan Taylor on the fine arts scene.

Classic hit songwriter Jack Tempchin plays in Sebastopol

Tuesday, at 7:00 by

You may not know his name, but you probably know his songs. Singer and songwriter Jack Tempchin, who wrote the ‘70s Eagles hits “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and “Already Gone,” will perform Saturday, April 13, at the Sebastopol Community Center Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Folk and cowboy singer Ray Bierl will open the show at 8 p.m. Tempchin also co-wrote with Eagles member Glenn Frey “You Belong to the City,” “Smuggler’s Blues,” “The One You Love,” “I Found Somebody” and… Read More »

Dervish whirls into Sebastopol with Irish music

Monday, at 11:36 by

St. Patrick’s Day has come and gone, but there’s no reason we can’t go on enjoying good Irish music. Dervish, a traditional Celtic band from Ireland, will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at the Sebastopol Community Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. Long a favorite at the annual Sebastopol Celtic Music Festival, the group is making Sebastopol the last stop on its current U.S. tour. Admission: $25-$30. Information: (707) 823-1511, www.cumuluspresents.com, http.www.seb.org.        

Gram Parsons’ tribute concert planned

Wednesday, at 3:00 by

Had he lived, Gram Parsons, one of the founders of country rock music, would be 65 this Saturday, Nov. 5. Born in 1946, Parsons died Sept. 19, 1973, at age 26. But his influence survives in the music he created with the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers, and in the work of his protege and discovery, Emmylou Harris. Since 2003, Sonoma County devotees have celebrated the Parsons legacy with annual tribute concerts. This year, two leaders of the local… Read More »

Saxphonist Bolivar plays Sebastopol

Wednesday, at 3:00 by

Saxophonist Michael Bolivar returns to Sonoma County for a dance party at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, at the  Sebastopol Community Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. Bolivar was a mainstay of the Sonoma County music scene for decades until he moved to Palm Springs five years ago. For his Sebastopol show, he’ll be backed by veteran local musicians including Tim Haggerty, Randy Quan, Blair Hardman and Jeff Forhan. Sonoma County rock ‘n’ roll band Uncle Wiggly will open the show.… Read More »

Second City visits Sebastopol

Friday, at 10:00 by

The current cast of the legendary Chicago comedy troupe, The Second City, performs at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, in the Analy High School Theatre, 6950 Analy Ave., Sebastopol. Past members of the company include Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell. And for those with longer memories — John Belushi and John Candy. And recent members of the troupe have done well, too. Tom Flanigan was hired this year to write for “Saturday Night Live,” and John Lutz, who… Read More »

Chipfest: In memory of Dunbar

Tuesday, at 3:00 by

Beloved local musician Chip Dunbar died in 2006 at age 52, but his memory remains as strong as a beautiful melody. Many of Sonoma County’s folk, bluegrass, country and Americana musicians will gather Saturday, Oct. 9, for Chipfest, an annual celebration of Dunbar’s life and music. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Sebastopol Community Center Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Performers will include Solid Air, The Mighty Chiplings, Tonebent, Shari Garn and Deeper Rhythm, Sara Winge & Friends,… Read More »

African music Aug. 6 in Sebastopol

Wednesday, at 10:00 by

Kenge Kenge, a nine-piece traditional African music ensemble from Kenya, is on its first North American tour this summer, and will play Sonoma County along the way. The group, whose name means “fusion of small, exhilarating instruments,” will perform 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, at the Sebastopol Community Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $20 in advance; $25 at the door.  For information on the show, call (707) 843-9236.  For advance ticket sales go to… Read More »